The lore below, while based on official information from EverQuest and EverQuest II, is not provided as an official source of information. Many of the elements, where left off or handing officially, have been filled in by the author with elements that seem appropriate. We hope, though, that what it does provide gives you a look into the Lore we shall expect to find in EverQuest II in areas where Lore is missing and yet to be uncovered. Enjoy!

A great sorrow and tragedy has befallen all of our people. The world as we knew it doesn't exist, and all that remains is the animosity between two of our last remaining towns. Norrath will forever be changed. I fear that the world we once knew will soon be forgotten, and all that we once had will be lost in the devastation.

Legend has it that all of Norrath was created by a god whose name was unknown. Many ages passed, and many gods came to being. Gods of love and Gods of hate, they in turn created the many people of this world. These were times of turmoil and change, not all races fought for the good of Norrath. Some fled the main areas of Qeynos and Freeport in disgust of the common people, creating new towns. Five hundred years ago was a time where many races such as the Vah Shir, Erudite, Elves, Humans, Trolls and Dwarves came together to fight the growing danger of evil in Norrath.

During this time awoke a great evil, through legend this evil has been called, "The Sleeper". Kerafyrm was his name; he was a dangerous and deadly dragon. Kerafrym was imprisoned into an enchanted slumber and guarded by four elemental wardens. The activities of mortals however soon woke the great beast. Soon the elemental guardians were defeated by ancient evils, also four in number, and with that the defeat of the guardians, even more evil was introduced into the land. Now the land of Norrath knows nothing but evil.

Since then we have come past many hardships. The moon of Norrath, Luclin, has tragically been destroyed, fulminating over Norrath. Luclin destroyed many of our towns and cities, and annihilated the race of the Vah Shir. Debris rained from the skies, pieces of the old Luclin. Old gods that once reigned are now long forgotten, and new evils plague Norrath.

The once underground movement known as the Freeport Militia has taken control of the entire town. Led by an undying maleficent leader named Lucan D'Lere, the Freeport Militia covets domination of Norrath. "While our enemies quake in terror, we embrace the nightmare. We are the nightmare. Norrath is ours." preached Lucan. The Militia follows only their self serving beliefs, and has forgotten all the old gods. Five different organizations exist to maintain this power, while secretly pursuing their own narcissistic dreams.

The Militia has been forming their army for centuries, and has become the most skilled in all of Norrath. Recruiting fighters and magicians alike, they strive for one thing, power. They are everywhere, secretly using their power to take taverns, local warrior guilds, and the borderlands. All that they conquer are being used to recruit their brutal forces.

The Dismal Rage is a group of dark spiritual priests, who seek to bring pain and suffering to all. They believe they have been smited by the old gods, and seek to spread their new faith of hate. The Rage follow an old doctrine believed to be stolen from a tome from the old Plane of Knowledge. It is called the Covenant of the Accursed, and it fortifies their evolving evil.

Freeport once housed one of the greatest schools of magic for the old people of Norrath, called The Academy of Arcane Science. In a blood drenching massacre, all the good magic was lost, and black arts soon took over. It is now a dark conglomeration of knowledge and artifacts. All who aspire to obtain their knowledge and join their ranks must be tested. Once in the ranks of the Academy, members must seek to find lost artifacts of the Arcane. The Academy seeks mystical power, and have no mercy for anyone, including their own members. In their minds anyone who stands in the way of the Arcane gaining mystical dominance will meet their demise.

The waters that surround Freeport have been overtaken by a band of pirates called the Seafury Buccaneers. Backed by Lucan, the Buccaneers raid, plunder, and sink enemy ships. All intelligence gained from these raids is given to Lucan, and the Buccaneers in turn are allowed to keep the goods.

The heart of the city is run by the Coalition of Tradesfolke. It is a violent organized crime organization that seeks to dominate the trade of Norrath. They have employed a legion of brute hit men that are infamous for "eliminating" any competition. The Coalition seeks to become the leader of trade through any means possible, whether they be legal, or more nefarious methods. These methods can include monetary payoffs, magical "persuasion", or by force. They are the most treacherous and baneful faction of Lucan's men.

Some of us, despite the malevolence of Lucan, still have hope. Led by the benevolent Antonia Bayle, the town of Qeynos is the last place of Hope for the people of Norrath. "We shall always endeavor to become who we are in our dreams. In defiance of the nightmares all of Norrath must endure." is the message she gives to her people. Antonia has set up a refuge to all people seeking to expunge Norrath of all evil. She has also put together the Circle of Five to expedite her plans; they are made of up the major factions of Qeynos.

Qeynos is guarded by the valiant Qeynos Guard. The Qeynos Guard is separated into four divisions per regiment, and each regiment commander reports to the same General. The four divisions are the City Guard, the Tower Guard, the Qeynos Navy, and the Outland Brigade. The General takes orders from the Circle of Five, the city's ruling council of government. Soldiers receive their training through the Steel Warriors or the Order of Life. Together they work to keep honor in the hearts of Qeynos.

Although the gods left Norrath in the destruction, hope remains that one day they will return to warm the hearts of the righteous. In the midst of Qeynos lies the religious society, the Celestial Watch. They seek to keep the old gods alive, despite their disappearance. The disciples of this organization are altruistic and seek to help anyone with selfless acts that aid the body, mind, and soul. In their crusade, they send missionaries to all distant lands of Norrath in order to keep the old gods alive.

A society of righteous mages resides in Qeynos called The Concordium. Unlike the Academy, they seek to teach all of Norrath the good that magical arts can bring to the land. They focus on the virtuous side of magic, but still have the ability to invoke forces that can potentially inflict major damage, and their magic, no matter what its use, is extraordinarily potent. The Concordium seeks to locate all the lost knowledge of Norrath so that it may be kept from the hands of evil, and be used for the betterment of Norrath.

A group of survivors from the old Norrath have come to Qeynos, banded together by their affinity for nature. They are assembled as the Tunarian Alliance,and are comprised of the old druid, scout and woodsman who suffer throughout Norrath. They fight for nature, and follow the old Laws of Tunare and growth. The Alliance is masters of stealth, and scour the land seeking out the dissolution of evil.

The last members of the Circle of Five are the people of the Ironforge Exchange. Magnanimous artisans, craftsman, and merchants who work together for the good of Qeynos, they seek to help each other before earning notoriety in the world of trade. They would settle for the good of all over the value of a platinum piece. I have lived many ages, and seen many changes. The sun will soon set on Norrath, and I seek to find new souls to restore beauty to Norrath once more. I can not tell you the answers to restoration, or lead you to paths of enlightenment. You can only attempt to control the fate of Norrath and you must choose to follow your own heart. A time will come on your journey that you must choose allegiance. Do you seek power and brute strength? Or do you seek honor and divinity? Only your heart can lead you, may you be blessed and at peace.

The Creation

In the beginning, it was nothing; a perfect void of nothingness lacking time and space. All that existed was the blessed one, its name unknown and untold. The Nameless one knew not of anything but its own existence. Creeping around the void of nothingness it sought to find the boundaries of its space. It sought to discover something other than itself. It searched and it found the greatest of all gifts and the apex of all terrors, something it had never known: a pocket of reality in which time and space was of the ebb and flow. The Nameless entered and saw that its contents couldn’t be contained, time and space wildly thrashing near and afar. The Nameless tried to retreat to the non-existence and void it had been before, but it was now filled with flashes of light, energy, and heat. The old nonexistence was now consumed with its own being. It had begotten a new realm, all new to the Nameless and eternally changing.

Things collided and evolved; all was unpredictable and uncertain. All that existed was chaos, and all the Nameless knew was wonder, and through this wonder it began to shape this chaos into elements. With the elements it fashioned planets and stars. With all the new creations, the Nameless needed hands to help manipulate the planets and energy, so was created the Gods of Power.

The Nameless drew forth four equal parts of the matters of existence, and with these it modeled the shaped gods to help shape the universe. The first of these was called Rathe. Rathe was set upon the task of making chaos solid. It looked forward on this task and saw the greatness of it. Rathe decided to divide itself into 13 equal parts, so that it could tend all of its duties. Rathe created the Earth and set it to mirror the lord’s eyes, so that it may keep watch over the chaos. Another part of the 4 was made into Fennin Ro, and he shaped his form of chaos into energy that he called Fire. He used this fire to light the cosmos and keep warm the new existence.

Next came water, for this element it was determined that the section would need to be split into 3 forms. Tarew Marr was placed over the liquid state which he was responsible for giving life. E’ci was given charge of ice, and its preservation properties. And the life in motion element of steam was overseen by Povar. The forth of the sections was given form and called Xegony. She drew away the remains of chaos and formed air.

The Nameless one looked upon these new gifts with sorrow. The Nameless was all these new things, and knew only of it through its essence. In this desperation it asked the Gods of Power to make it minions so that it could experience all the new things that be. The Gods of power each drew forth equal parts of their elements for The Nameless to experience.

Properly balancing all the elements they drew forth, the Gods of Power created the Gods of Influence. They combined and made gods of good and evil and neutral to balance all things without the Gods of Power’s help.

The gods of good and evil began to get adjusted in their new settings. They bickered much while the neutral gods tried the help them all stay balanced. Veeshan, the keeper of wisdom, explored all the new planets discovering all she could to learn all. She soon realized that there was too much to learn and decided to find one planet to thoroughly explore and learn. She looked all over the universe and tried to find the planet closest to the center. She found one in particular that she liked and decided to make this her new project. She called it “Norrath”, which meant, in the tongue of the gods, “foundation”. She ripped her claws into the earth like a plow sowing her seeds into it, bringing forth life. She had decided this planet would be the womb for her ever expanding cognitive mind.

Rallos Zek's burning eyes moved disdainfully from one god to the next, hoping his harsh edict had convinced more of them to take his side. It had been countless ages since virtually all the gods had gathered together like this, and he did not intend to miss the opportunity to expand his influence.

"I maintain that this would be an overreaction," Tunare said, shaking her head. The mortals need our guidance, not our wrath. We should inspire them and strengthen the spirituality within them, not snuff it out."

"You mean your precious elves?" Rallos countered. "Did they need your guidance as their greed soiled your plane, murdering your servants in their lust for power and wealth? Attacking the very manifestation of your being as if you were a boar for the slaughter?"

She scowled and shook her head. "That is your influence at work, Rallos. It was only when they breached the Planes of Power that you lost the delight you had taken in their growing viciousness."

"We all agree that the mortals have gone too far," Brell interjected, sensing the need to interrupt before the argument dragged on further. "But surely the answer isn't to wipe away all our handiwork. After all, it is only a few races that have committed offenses worthy of such action. Perhaps a selective pruning is in order rather than complete annihilation."

Solusek Ro shook his head. "I must agree with Rallos on this matter. Wipe them out; it is the only way."

"The solution is obvious," interjected Cazic-Thule. "If my influence were allowed to grow, the mortals would not be in a position to challenge us. Fear will keep them in check, as it always should have."

Karana scowled. "Preposterous. It has been proven that any one of us alone can be overcome by the mortals. It is underestimating them that has brought us to this place, that has forced us to become allies in action if not in principle. But the solution must be one that we can all agree to."

"How can you be so blind?" Rallos growled. "How can you not see that the mortals must be made to pay for their insolence?"

"You ignore the honor in their hearts," Mithaniel Marr countered. "They have earned the right to exist, to ascend to greatness."

"Greatness?" Innoruuk cackled gleefully. "Leave them to their own devices and they will devour themselves in jealousy and hatred. The solution is not for us to kill them, but to step aside and let them feed upon each other."

"We don't have time for that," Solusek Ro asserted. "The demi-planes are already weakened--in fact, some have simply faded from existence, as our powers have grown too thin to sustain them. We must refocus our resources and strike back while we still can."

Quellious had listened to the bickering for what seemed like ages. Though time had no meaning for them in this place, she could bear to listen no longer. She spoke softly, yet with a directness that silenced the others.

"I propose a compromise," she said, her gaze moving from one god to the next. "It will not be ideal for any of us, and it does not come without risk. But I feel it is the only way to satisfy all our objectives and restore balance between us and the mortals."

Bristlebane perked an ear. "Speak, please, for this endless debate is maddening even for me."

Quellious continued. "We all agree the mortals have gained too much power, but there are non-destructive ways to correct this. There is also a way for us to regain our strength, though it means removing our influence from this world for a time. But if we all agree--including those who sit upon the greater wheel of Elemental Power--it could save us all."

Quellious nodded. "It is through their unity that the mortals initially became strong. The first thing we must do is to disrupt that unity…"

When Quellious had finished, Erollisi Marr nodded. "It would be an acceptable compromise."

"Agreed," her twin brother added.

"It does not matter to me," Innoruuk grinned, "for I still believe that the mortals will destroy themselves eventually."

Brell rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I will do as you suggest."

The Faceless shrugged. "It seems like a waste of time, but I will follow the wishes of this council."

Tunare sighed sadly. "I will do what you ask in order to make this work."

Fennin Ro spoke for the first time since he had entered the chamber. "The rulers of the Elemental Planes will abide by this decision."

One by one the other gods either agreed or said nothing, nodding silently.

Quellious eyed Rallos Zek as he whispered something to Solusek Ro. The Prince of Flame shook his head.

"We agree," the god of War said at last. "When does it begin?"

"In seven mortal days' time, we will act as one. Will that be long enough to do what is needed?"

"It will," Solusek Ro said coldly. Tunare nodded with reluctance.

"Then it is agreed," the Tribunal spoke in a single voice. "This council stands adjourned."

The gods began to leave the chambers, but Quellious lingered. She noticed as Rallos approached Cazic-Thule and began to whisper something to him, and watched as Solusek Ro did the same to Brell.

Tunare stood next to her. "Is this really the only way?"

"I believe it is," Quellious responded softly. "But I think we need to remain watchful, as not everyone may honor the intent of this pact."

Karana approached the two goddesses. "I have some trepidation in this matter, and I'd wager you feel the same."

"I do," replied Quellious. "But I have another proposal to share with the two of you to ensure our interests are preserved."

As the three gods left the council chamber together, Rallos Zek eyed them loathingly. He muttered to himself. "So, Quellious, you have your allies and I have mine. But your weakness will be your downfall. Let the endgame begin."